Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This baked cranberry cream cheese dip is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Warm and bubbly, it’s an inviting appetizer that’s ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well incorporated.
- Step 3: Transfer the creamy mixture into a suitable baking dish and spread it out evenly to form a smooth surface.
- Step 4: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip becomes bubbly and the top turns a golden brown color.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving warm with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for added texture, or smooth cranberry sauce for a creamier dip.
- Substitute sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices or assorted crackers for a nice crunch.
Storage
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a microwave-safe dish or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and temperature.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables if you need to keep the entire dish gluten-free.
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Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a deliciously creamy and tangy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or game day. Combining softened cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and vibrant cranberry sauce with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dip is baked until bubbly and golden. It’s easy to prepare and offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked cranberry sauce (or whole berry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy mixture into a suitable baking dish and spread it out evenly to form a smooth surface.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip becomes bubbly and the top turns a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving warm with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Notes
- This dip is best served warm to enjoy the melty texture and rich flavors.
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for a more textured and visually appealing dip.
- You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice color contrast and freshness.
- Pair the dip with your favorite crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked cranberry dip, cream cheese dip, holiday appetizer, cranberry cream cheese dip, baked cheese dip
